United States · Visas and documents

Use the boxes to organise your reading. They do not certify that an application is complete. This page does not upload or store documents.

Study

Official name: F / M

An eligible school issues the I-20. Prepare DS-160, SEVIS evidence and academic/financial records for consular assessment.

Documents to organise 8

Valid passport or travel documentCategory application, completed and signed where requiredPhotograph meeting the specificationsAdmission or enrolment at an eligible institution and courseFinancial evidence accepted for this category

Depending on your case and the official checklist

Diplomas, transcripts and qualification recognitionLanguage evidence for the category or exemptionEvidence of lawful residence in the application jurisdiction

Route forms and references

DS-160 · I-20 · SEVIS I-901

How to proceed

Choose the category and check the authority/consulate checklist for your place of residence.
Confirm admission, enrolment, payments and institution-issued documents.
Use the official channel linked in the source and keep receipts. Attend interviews or biometrics when requested.
After the decision, check entry conditions, local registration, residence and permitted activities.

Check official requirements ↗ travel.state.gov

Work

Official name: H / L / O / P

Temporary categories have individual criteria. Where required, an approved petition precedes the consular application; it does not guarantee a visa.

Documents to organise 8

Valid passport or travel documentCategory application, completed and signed where requiredPhotograph meeting the specificationsEmployer authorisation, sponsorship or petition where the route requires it

Depending on your case and the official checklist

Contract or job offer accepted for the categoryDiplomas, transcripts and qualification recognitionEvidence of experience and professional licensingEvidence of lawful residence in the application jurisdiction

Route forms and references

DS-160 · I-129 · I-797

How to proceed

Choose the category and check the authority/consulate checklist for your place of residence.
Ask the employer to complete the prior authorisation or sponsorship required by this route.
Use the official channel linked in the source and keep receipts. Attend interviews or biometrics when requested.
After the decision, check entry conditions, local registration, residence and permitted activities.

Check official requirements ↗ travel.state.gov

Join family

Official name: Immigrant visa

After the petition and NVC referral, follow civil and financial document instructions. Visa availability depends on the category.

Documents to organise 9

Valid passport or travel documentCategory application, completed and signed where requiredCertificates and evidence of family or partner relationshipFamily member’s identity and immigration status or nationalityCivil records and evidence of parentage or name changes

Depending on your case and the official checklist

Police certificates for the requested countries and periodsMedical examination or certificate/TB where applicableSupporting family member’s income, maintenance and accommodationCertified translations and legalisation/apostille where requested

Route forms and references

DS-260 · CEAC / NVC

How to proceed

Choose the category and check the authority/consulate checklist for your place of residence.
Use the official channel linked in the source and keep receipts. Attend interviews or biometrics when requested.
After the decision, check entry conditions, local registration, residence and permitted activities.

Check official requirements ↗ travel.state.gov Check official requirements ↗ travel.state.gov